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 PTSA#2.9.50 October 6, 2014
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Events:**
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October
Oct 6-10 - Homecoming Week
Oct 9 - Homecoming / Fall Sports Assembly, main gym, 1:45pm.
Oct 10 - NO SCHOOL
Cert. Non-contract day
Homecoming Parade, Downtown, 4:30pm
Oct 10 - Homecoming Football game, MIHS stadium, 7:00pm
Oct 11 - Homecoming dance, commons, 8-11:00pm
Oct 14 - College Night Series #2 - College Prep & Selection, PAC, 6-8:30pm
Oct 17 - Picture re-take day, main entrance, 7:30am-1:15pm
Oct 18 - PSAT test, 200/400 hallways, 8:00am-Noon
Oct 24 - Football game & All Island Band Night, 7:00pm
**- Calendar information current as of 10/6. Always check District Calendar for updates.
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Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the MIHS Student Handbook:
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MIHS Student Handbook
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PTSA 2013-2014 Executive Committee
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Parent Advisory Committee
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Freshman Class of 2018
Sophomore Class of 2017
Junior Class of 2016
School Board Rep
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MISD Board of Directors
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236-3300
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Submit an Article
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To submit an article for review for our next issue:
mihsnewsletter@hotmail.com
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It's Homecoming Week
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Homecoming festivities will take place all week at school.
Monday- Dress like an Olympian
Tuesday- Color Wars
Freshmen wear green
Sophomores wear red
Juniors wear white
Seniors wear blue
Wednesday- Dress Out of this World
Thursday- Dress Maroon and White
Homecoming Assembly, 1:45pm, Main Gym.
Friday- No School
Homecoming Parade - 4:30 pm in the City Center. Homecoming Floats, Royalty and MIHS Marching Band will parade through town starting at Mercerdale Park.
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From Our PTSA President
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Dear MIHS Family,
It's Not Too Late!
You can still join the Mercer Island High School PTSA - and receive the coveted MIHS School Directory when it is released in November! Click here for a link to join.
Also, we are still nearly $16,000 away from reaching our full Pass the Hat target and it's not too late to make a contribution. Donations of any size are sincerely appreciated and will be put to good use during our current school year. To make a donation, go to our PTSA website at http://mihsptsa.org/back-2-school/ptsa-registration/ to make your donation on-line.
Watch for a Special Meeting!
In closing, I encourage you to watch for a Special MIHS PTSA General Meeting focused on learning services at all levels at MIHS and how parents can best help students navigate and find the learning support they need. This topic stems from our recent Welcome Back Coffee discussion, which was rushed at best, and the need for more exploration and conversation as a new, related parent-networking group launches at MIHS. Watch for the date and for more details about of this special meeting, coming soon!
Thank you again for your strong support of MIHS student learning and enrichment programs!
Warm Regards,
Debbie Hanson
MIHS PTSA President
To see Debbie's past President's letters, click here
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From Our Superintendent
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 | | Email Dr. Gary Plano |
Dear Mercer Island schools supporters,
We have nearly completed the first month of the 2014-15 school year, and we are well on our way to another successful year of classroom experiences for our students.
I am happy to announce that four of our young scholars from Mercer Island High School have been named National Merit Semifinalists and 19 more have been named National Merit Commended students. The high school also jumped to the 159th position in the Newsweek rankings of best high schools in America and the class of 2014 received the best composite ACT scores in at least five years.
It takes an entire community to create an educational system this special. Our mission begins when students enter our elementary schools and continues through middle and high school until students are prepared for college and their careers.
The generous donations from the Mercer Island community to the Schools Foundation are essential to funding classroom teachers, an elementary art specialist, instructional coaches for elementary, middle and high school teachers and the enrichment programs that make success at this level possible. My most heartfelt appreciation goes to supporters of the Schools Foundation, the PTAs and the many Boosters who help ensure our schools are the best regionally and nationally.
Through the Phone-a-Thon, Bridge-the-Gap campaign and many PTA and Booster events, the Mercer Island School District received more than $1.6 million to fund teachers and targeted programs, such as the new K-2 reading program, to help our schools meet the diverse needs, intellectual drive and curiosity of our students.
Last year our elementary schools had some classrooms with as many as 30 students. This year, there is only one elementary class with 28 students and that class is one classroom in the highly capable program. We average about 23 students per classroom at the elementary level. That does not happen without the support of our community and the Schools Foundation.
Thank you!
This year the Mercer Island Schools Foundation Phone-a-Thon will take place on Nov. 3 and 4. I know this community will continue to answer the call to make our public schools even stronger and to provide the support and programs our children deserve.
Gary Plano, Ed. D.
Superintendent
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From Our Principal
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Go Islanders!
To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here
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PTSA News and Announcements
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PTSA Grant Applications
To date, we have collected over $46,700, allowing MIHS PTSA to once again help support student enrichment programs at high levels. Your donations benefit every student and allow for greater hands-on and personalized learning experiences throughout the school year, across all grades and all disciplines. Because of your generosity, PTSA partners yearly with the MI Schools Foundation and the MI School District to fund an impressive number of grant requests (from teachers, administrators, counselors, staff, students, etc...).
Your donations are precious and we take the grant applications process seriously, by carefully reviewing each application in an effort to spread dollars evenly throughout the school, maximizing the reach of your generosity. Donations allow for enrichment experiences which set MIHS apart and contribute to our school's known reputation for academic excellence and achievement. Curious to know more? Access our PTSA Website http://mihsptsa.org/resources/grants/ for a list of grants funded in past. Fulfilling wish lists is incredibly rewarding and our recipients are quick to share their thanks. Again, I thank you for your generosity. You are the ones fulfilling wishes, whether it's through your donations of time, talents or dollars!
 PTSA College Night Series College Preparation and Selection Process - October 14, 2014 - MIHS Auditorium
This seminar will provide basic information and is particularly geared to freshmen, sophomores and juniors and their parents. It will cover the overall college preparation and selection process. Get a road map for what your student needs to be doing now!
Each College Night is divided into two parts. At 6:00 p.m., Mrs. Hillstrom, MIHS College and Career Counselor will present a 30-minute optional Naviance Tutorial. Naviance is MIHS' web-based service for curriculum planning, career exploration and the college choice/application/admission process. Students and parents can use valuable research and organizational tools provided by this program. Mrs. Hillstrom will also use Naviance for her bulk email deliveries. Learn how to register on Naviance and about what the service has to offer at the Naviance Tutorials. The evening's topic then begins at 6:30 p.m.
There is no need to pre-register for these lectures. A $5.00 per family per session donation is appreciated. Net proceeds will be donated to the MI PTSA Scholarship Fund. All donations are purely optional and are not a requirement of admission.
Questions - contact Betsy Robertson, or see information on the PTSA website at http://mihsptsa.org/college-prep/college-night-series. 
More information about Mock SAT/ACT tests for 2014/15. (In the Future, this information will be located under "COLLEGE PREP" on the MIHS PTSA website at www.mihsptsa.org) These mock tests are offered by the MIHS PTSA Senior Activities Committee as an option to our student body to try out and practice these assessments in an environment where the scores don't matter for college entry. They are administered by the company, Princeton Review, in a test-taking setting that exactly mimics the reality of an ACT or SAT test. A follow-up review session is offered after each test to go over your student's results.
Each Mock SAT/ACT test is $30 for pre-registration and $40 for the day-of registration. All proceeds go to MIHS PTSA Post Graduation Senior Party.
While our school is under construction, tests and review session all take place at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island.
November 15th, 9:00 a.m -. Mock SAT November Review Session - TBA (re-scheduled from Nov. 26th)
January 24th, 9:00 a.m. Mock ACT
February 4th, 7:00 p.m. Review Session
March 28th, 9:00 a.m. Mock Hybrid ACT/SAT test
April 15th, 7:00 p.m. Review Session 2014-2015 Mock SAT/ACT Information
Questions? Jennifer Mclellan at mclellanmj@aol.com
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PTSA Directory Information
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MIHS School Directory -
PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
This year we are using a software system called MySchoolAnywhere to produce our school directory. The directory will be printed as usual, it will NOT be available online, but the new software will allow parents to update their information before it is published. Please note that these updates will not be made in Skyward which is a separate database. In order to update your information with the school district you will need to fill out the Name and Address Correction Form which can be found on the MIHS web site under Parents and Students>Forms>Name and Address Correction Form.
An automated E-Confirm email requesting confirmation of your contact information was sent out Sunday 9/21 to all parents listed in Skyward as "Parent 1". Please check Parent 1's email and follow the steps to review or edit your contact information. The E-Confirm email came from MIHSDirectory@comcast.net. If Parent 1 did not receive the email and you don't see it in the SPAM folder then contact me with your student's full name and the preferred email to use. I will resend the E-confirm email. When you edit your contact information, please specify a parent as the 'Primary Email" to receive future E-Confirm notifications.
ATTENTION SECOND HOUSEHOLDS
The E-Confirm email only goes out to the email listed as Parent 1 in Household 1. If you have a second household listed and would like to have your contact information verified please email me with your student's full name and the contact information you would like to verify.
The deadline for getting your information submitted is October 3rd. Please contact me if you have questions.
Thank you
Robyn Newell
MIHSDirectory@comcast.net
Need to Order a 2014-2015 MIHS School Directory?
School Directories are a benefit of becoming a member of the MIHS PTSA. Please click the following link to join the PTSA and complete your MIHS PTSA registration. Note: the information collected on the PTSA Registration system is NOT connected to the Directory software. |
| Online Volunteer Sign-ups | | Attention all parents who want to Volunteer this year at MIHS!
Contrary to our children's viewpoint, the high school years are very much the right time to be involved in their school. Research strongly supports a positive correlation between parental involvement and student success in all aspects of our children's high school experience. Mercer Island has a wealth of talented and energetic parents who care about their children's educational experience.
Please consider how you can volunteer during the 2014-2015 school year and complete the online form at
MIHS PTSA website or Click here to fill out your 2014-2015 Volunteer Interest Form.
Questions? Contact Laurie Raisys at volunteer@mihsptsa.org
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Legislation and Advocacy
| | Washington State PTA Legislative Survey Online NOW!
This is a very important year for YOU to have your voice heard! It is a budget year in Olympia, and it is very likely that many decisions will be made which could impact our kids' education if you will SPEAK UP! Put your voice behind budget changes and policy improvements at the State Level
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEG2014
The Washington State PTA Legislative Survey helps our delegates from MIHS (yes OUR school) decide how to vote at our Legislative Assembly in October. THIS in turn determines how our State PTA advocates in Olympia beginning in January.
Click the above link and take 10 minutes to share your opinions PLEASE.
Note: It is helpful to read through the survey of Issues, as you will be asked to rate your top 5 priorities out of 15. Also please note, the Issues can seem broad, but this is because there are a huge variety of bills dropped in the legislature, so it is best to create a broad scope for which to advocate. |
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MIHS News and Announcements
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Check the MIHS website for announcements, calendar, and links to activities.
CLASS OF 2015 SENIOR NEWS
As all Seniors know by now, Jostens visited MIHS to distribute order forms for caps and gowns as well as announcement and class ring orders. They returned last week to collect orders. If a senior did not turn in orders last week - they may still order via mail or online. All orders should be submitted to Jostens before students leave for winter break. Beginning in January orders will be considered "late" and may have different pricing structures.
Who is Jostens? They provide everything our students need for graduation. Those items that are critical and essential, like the cap and gown, but also the extra 'swag' that each family might be interested in purchasing such as announcements, invitations, note cards, etc. The Jostens' website is www.jostens.com if you would like to order online.
Attention Juniors - Class of 2016
The PSAT is coming up! Time to consider whether this a test you wish to take to practice your eventual SAT testing. This test is also used as the tool to determine our National Merit Scholars. Mercer Island High School is a testing site (among others) on the national test date of Saturday, October 18th, 2014. Contact the MIHS Counseling Center for more information.
Note: Students younger that 11th grade are welcome to take the PSAT but will not be in the qualifying pool for the National Merit Scholar selection.
Student Insurance Forms
Does your student have insurance? Please open the link below to read this important District letter. If you have not already sent in the insurance form or waiver, please print the form and turn a signed copy to the Main Office at MIHS.
Parent Insurance Letter 2014-2015
2014-2015 Healthy Youth Survey
Mercer Island School District students will be taking the 2014-15 Washington State Health Survey the week of October 13, 2014 click here for more detailed 2014 Healthy Youth Survey Information.
Need to retake your photo?
There will be a photo re-take day on Friday, October 17 beginning at 7:30 am for students want to re-take their photos.
MISD Online payments - new this year!!
On August 20th, the Mercer Island School District began offering families the convenience of paying for student fees and fines online. Parents can view outstanding fines, make payments and print receipts. ***Please note that a small transaction fee is charged at check out. VISA, Mastercard and Discover are accepted.
For more information about MISD Online payments, click here.
To use the district's new Online payment features, click here. Use your Family Access account information to access the software. Note that the Ipad insurance fee is located under the "Other" category on the fee category screen.
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MI Parent Edge
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MI Parent Edge - 2014-2015 Calendar of Parent Education Events
Join Parent Edge for a great year of stimulating speakers and events! From navigating our kids' anxieties to exploring the many ways today's "digital youth" are different from pre-digital youth; from an evening with Rosalind Wiseman, author of "Queen Bees & Wannabees" and "Masterminds & Wingmen" to examining society's failure to recognize and care for the social and emotional well-being of our boys in the compelling film "The Mask You Live In" - it's quite a line up! Please visit www.miparentedge.org to view the entire calendar.
MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools.
See you on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC
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In the Community
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MIFC NIGHT AT MIHS Girls Soccer Game Oct. 16th
Join Mercer Island FC for MIFC night at the MIHS Girls Soccer game on Thursday October 16th. The Varsity game starts at 7:30pm or come early for the JV game starting at 5:30. All MIFC players who come in their jersey will receive either a free candy or bag of chips at the snack shack!
MIFC continues to support the efforts of Soccer2 Unite with a used equipment drive at the game. If your family has any used but serviceable, balls, cleats, shinguards, socks, shorts, jerseys, and/or goalie gloves that you no longer need please consider donating them to MIFC's 2nd Annual Used Equipment Collection Drive. All donations will be given to Soccer2 Unite for children in Uganda. Soccer2 Unite is in particular need of used cleats.
National League of Young Men - Mercer Island Chapter
We are excited to introduce the Mercer Island Chapter of the National League of Young Men (NLYM). The NLYM is an organization for mothers and their sons (grades 9th - 12th) whose mission is to promote the development of young men into community leaders through leadership involvement; charitable and community service; cultural experiences and protocol education. Examples of upcoming community events include food packing at Northwest Harvest and grounds keeping at the Seattle Humane Society.
The class of 2017 (10th grade students) has room for a few additional young men and their mothers. If you are a current 10th grade student looking for an opportunity to serve your community while gaining valuable leadership skills, along with protocol knowledge and cultural experiences, please contact Donna Platou (platou1@comcast.net) for NLYM membership information as soon as possible. The deadline to have your application accepted and paid for is October 31st.
Mercer Island Schools Foundation - Great Board Members Wanted!
The Mercer Island Schools Foundation is looking for a few talented, conscientious and dedicated volunteer board members to help lead and strengthen our successful fundraising programs. Ideally, our Board representation includes individuals from all neighborhoods on the island with or without children in Mercer Island Public Schools. Additionally, all Mercer Island Public Schools are represented by Board membership.
Would you like to contribute a few hours of your time every month sharing your thoughtful leadership to help make our Mercer Island Schools the best they can be? Your investment of time will help ensure all 4,200 students grades K-12 attain the full promise of their academic success!
To find out whether this volunteer opportunity is right for you, and to get more information, please call Penny Yantis, Executive Director, at 206-275-2550.
Mercer Island Communities That Care - Great Board Members Wanted!
Would you like to contribute a few hours of your time each month sharing your leadership and insights to help make our community a healthy place for youth to thrive? Our coalition is composed of Mercer Island community groups and individuals who share a common concern about local youth alcohol and drug consumption and what our community can do to prevent risk and harm to our kids. We have staff to support us and substantial federal funding for resources.
We are seeking a few talented and dedicated volunteer members with ties to local businesses, our schools, youth serving organizations, the health community, media or civic groups. We also welcome parents to join us with children in any grade - elementary through high school.
Our prevention efforts are science-based and supported by the latest research in youth alcohol and drug prevention. We provide training opportunities to members and feature monthly meeting presentations related to youth substance-use topics. If you join us you will have an opportunity to both advise coalition staff and to get involved in prevention efforts that suit your interests and talents.
Your investment of time will help ensure that kids on Mercer Island have the chance they deserve to remain or become drug and alcohol free. To find out whether this volunteer opportunity is right for you, and to get more information, please call Lisa Stewart, Project Coordinator, at 206-275-7743 or lisa.stewart@mercergov.org
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Question of the Week
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Q: How do students receive important class related information from their elected student officers and ASB leaders?
A: Over the last few years, ASB and Class leaders have communicated important information (homecoming float building schedule, important class meetings, etc) through special Facebook groups that are unique to each class (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). Usually an e-mail to a class officer is all that's needed for your student to be added to a Facebook Group, assuming that he/she has a Facebook account. For more information about this year's MIHS ASB and class leaders click here:
Additionally, Facebook is the informative tool of choice that's frequently used by MIHS sports teams (often through the team captains), MIHS clubs and by MIHS classroom-based study groups.
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